MILLSBORO, Del. - - The Wilmington University bowling team is right in the thick of the Hawk Classic Invite, playing four nationally ranked teams and sitting in 11^th out of 18 programs following Baker play on Friday at Millsboro Lanes.

The Wildcats went 2-3 on Friday, defeating nationally ranked No. 5 Sam Houston State and St. Francis (N.Y.) to sit in 11^th place with a total pinfall of 4,529. They had an average pinfall of 181.2 on the day.

Despite being in 11^th, the top of the standings is tightly compacted, as the Wildcats are only 76 pins out of fifth place, 103 pins out of fourth place, and only 218 pins off the lead occupied by nationally ranked No. 2 Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt averaged 189.9 per game on Friday.

Friday started with a 962-861 victory over 5^th ranked Sam Houston State but then the Wildcats dropped three straight close matchups to ranked opponents. They fell to 13^th ranked Duquesne, 936-922; 9^th ranked Youngstown State, 898-861; and 16^th ranked Sacred Heart, 956-926. They finished the afternoon by beating St. Francis (N.Y.), 858-787, to go 2-3 overall.

Saturday will bring five Traditional matches to the Wildcats, as they will play five more nationally ranked teams. They will face off against 19^th ranked Morgan State, 17^th ranked Tulane, 22^nd ranked Long Island, 2^nd ranked Vanderbilt, and 10^th ranked Fairleigh Dickinson.

Sunday will feature Baker Bracket contests.